Proposed 4:1 Air Connectivity Arrangement
The UAE has proposed a 4:1 air connectivity arrangement with India to enhance flight connectivity and strengthen bilateral ties in the aviation sector. Under this arrangement, Indian carriers would be allowed to operate four additional flights or increase seat capacity for each additional flight or seat capacity granted to UAE carriers.
Alshaali clarified that the 4:1 ratio is a starting point and could be revised to 3:1, 2:1, and eventually 1:1 as Indian carriers expand their operations. The goal is to promote competition, increase air traffic, and improve connectivity beyond metro cities to tier-2 and tier-3 destinations.
Economic and Tourism Benefits
Expanding air connectivity between India and the UAE is expected to boost tourism and economic activity. Alshaali emphasized that increased competition would ease the burden on Indian carriers, allowing foreign airlines to transport passengers across India and reducing consumer prices.
“Expanding connectivity would make it easier for tourists to travel across India, increasing economic activity and consumer spending,” Alshaali said. “This would allow tourists to travel across India with ease, leading to increased spending in the Indian economy. Additionally, consumer prices would begin to drop, as Indian carriers would no longer be solely responsible for serving the domestic market—carriers from other regions would also be able to transport passengers across India.”
Strengthening India-UAE Ties
Aviation cooperation is a key priority in the broader India-UAE partnership, which also includes collaborations in defence and emerging technologies. Alshaali highlighted that the two nations are exploring new areas of cooperation, including genome sequencing and data centres.
“We are looking at new cooperation in defence closely with India,” Alshaali said. He also noted that bilateral trade between India and the UAE has exceeded $80 billion, with a 15% growth rate, underscoring the strong economic ties between the two nations.
Strategic Petroleum Reserves and Beyond
The UAE is working with India to expand its strategic petroleum reserves and explore new sectors for collaboration. This partnership reflects the deepening economic and strategic relationship between the two countries, which has grown significantly in recent years.
The proposed increase in air travel capacity and the 4:1 connectivity arrangement between India and the UAE could lead to significant benefits for both nations. Reduced airfares, increased tourism, and enhanced economic activity are just some of the potential outcomes. As India and the UAE continue to strengthen their partnership, the aviation sector is poised to play a pivotal role in driving growth and fostering closer ties between the two countries.